A decision to give RTÉ €725 million in financing over the next three years has been hailed as a “significant milestone” by Taoiseach Simon Harris, reports Breaking News.
Cabinet is anticipated to accept the plan on Wednesday, which calls for a combination of direct support from the Exchequer and maintaining the TV license charge.
Media Minister Catherine Martin “has delivered for public service broadcasting,” according to Mr. Harris, who also refuted the claim that she was overridden in the choice.
Ms. Martin has previously stated that she preferred direct money from Exchequer and that a hybrid funding strategy for RTÉ may be “the worst of both worlds,” reports Breaking News.
When questioned about the choice, Green Party leader and Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman stated that Ms. Martin’s “primary objective” was to secure financial “stability” for RTÉ, which he promised would be supplied.
“I don’t think anyone there (at RTÉ) would describe (it) as a bad outcome,” reports Breaking News.
Amidst a financial and governance crisis at Ireland’s public service broadcaster, TV licence fee earnings looked to be declining. Consequently, ministers pledged to decide on RTÉ’s future funding strategy during this government term.
Following the controversy, Kevin Bakhurst, the director general of RTÉ, pledged to lower the fees paid to its highest earners, make investments in digital and technology, and reduce spending by €10 million this year.
An Post collects the TV license fee, which is €160 per family annually, reports Breaking News.
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